Laser Cataract Surgery
Semel Vision Care & Aesthetics
Premium Eye Care in El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, & Redondo Beach
What Is Laser Cataract Surgery?
If visual impairment begins to interfere with your ability to read, work or do the things you enjoy, you may want to consider cataract surgery to restore your vision. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in the US and can be performed quickly and easily with a success rate of over 90 percent and a minimal risk of complications.
After the cloudy lens has been removed, a new artificial lens, or IOL, is implanted in the eye. We offer several choices in modern intraocular lens implant technology. Dr. Semel will recommend the best implant and procedure for you based on your lifestyle preferences.
- \Blurred or hazy vision
- \Double vision
- \Poor vision in bright light
- \Seeing halos around lights
- \Poor vision at night
- \Yellowish tinged vision
- \Frequent changes in eyeglasses or contact lens prescription
How Does Laser Cataract Surgery Work?
With laser cataract surgery, Dr. Semel develops an exact surgical plan based on a detailed 3-D image of the eye, known as OCT (optical coherence tomography). This sophisticated imaging allows the laser to create highly precise cataract incisions, tailored in location, depth, and length across all planes, helping to minimize the risk of wound-related complications.
The laser also enhances capsulotomy, the process of removing the front portion of the lens capsule—a thin, transparent tissue surrounding the natural lens—to access the lens for safe and gentle removal. By softening the cataract and breaking it into smaller fragments, the laser reduces the energy required for removal, increasing safety and lowering the likelihood of complications.
Additionally, the laser can reshape the cornea to address astigmatism, providing patients with improved vision following the procedure.
Choosing an Intraocular Lens
However, if your goal is to reduce your dependence on glasses or contact lenses and achieve better vision without them, a premium IOL may be a better choice. It’s important to note that premium IOLs come with additional costs beyond what insurance covers.
- Distance Vision: This includes everything from about 4 feet to infinity, such as driving, watching movies, viewing television, seeing people across the room, reading road signs, and general everyday activities. For most people aiming for less reliance on glasses, achieving clear distance vision is a top priority.
- Intermediate Vision: This range extends from about 14 inches to 4 feet and is critical for tasks like computer work, looking at car dashboards, reading grocery store shelves, playing cards, eating, and other close-up tasks that aren’t quite as near as reading.
- Near Vision: This is the close-up vision required for activities like reading, sewing, hobbies, or certain job-related tasks.
The next step in selecting the best IOL involves understanding the unique needs of your eyes, which will be thoroughly discussed during your cataract consultation. By considering your specific visual goals and eye health, we can help you choose the lens that best aligns with your lifestyle and vision preferences.
Intraocular Lens Options
RxSight™ Light Adjustable Lens
The RxSight™ Light Adjustable Lens allows you and your doctor to fine-tune your vision after cataract surgery for truly customized results. Made of a photosensitive material, the lens can be adjusted using ultraviolet (UV) light to modify its shape and power, tailoring your vision to your lifestyle needs. Over a few weeks, non-invasive light treatments are performed to achieve optimal clarity, with a final treatment to lock in the results. Clinical studies show that patients with this lens often achieve superior vision outcomes, including 20/20 vision or better, without the need for glasses.
TORIC IOL
Astigmatism, caused by an irregularly shaped cornea, leads to blurred vision at all distances and often requires corrective lenses. For those seeking clear distance vision without glasses, addressing astigmatism is a key step.
During your cataract consultation, we will assess your level of astigmatism and may recommend a toric intraocular lens (IOL) to correct it. For milder cases, a femtosecond laser can make precise corneal incisions to improve vision. While these advanced options involve additional costs, they can significantly enhance visual outcomes and reduce the need for glasses.
Multifocal Lens Implants
Presbyopia, a common age-related condition starting in the 40s, often requires glasses or contact lenses to correct vision at different distances. After cataract surgery, multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) offer an advanced solution to reduce or eliminate the need for glasses across distance, intermediate, and near vision ranges. These lenses, combined with cutting-edge laser technologies, can provide a more flexible, glasses-free lifestyle. By choosing the right IOL, patients can enjoy clearer vision tailored to their needs.
iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent
The iStent Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent is an innovative, FDA-approved device and the smallest medical implant ever used in the human body—20,000 times smaller than the intraocular lenses (IOLs) used in cataract surgery. Much like stents in cardiac procedures, it restores proper fluid flow, but it is specifically designed to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients, offering an effective solution for managing the condition.
About Dr. Semel
Board-Certified El Segundo Ophthalmologist
Dr. Jane Semel is skilled, respected, and board-certified and fellowship trained in Ophthalmology, and is licensed to practice in the state of California. She specializes in the treatment and prevention of eye disease.
What to Expect After Laser Cataract Surgery
After undergoing laser cataract surgery at Semel Vision Care & Aesthetics, most patients experience clearer vision within a few days, though it may take a few weeks for your eyes to fully adjust and heal. Here’s what you can anticipate during your recovery:
- Immediate Aftercare: You may notice mild discomfort, light sensitivity, or a gritty feeling in your eye for the first 24-48 hours. These symptoms are normal and typically subside quickly.
- Activity Restrictions: Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or bending over for the first week to minimize pressure on your eyes. Most patients can resume normal, non-strenuous activities the day after surgery.
- Protective Measures: Use the prescribed eye drops as directed to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. It’s also important to wear the protective eye shield provided while sleeping during the first few nights.
- Follow-Up Visits: Regular follow-up appointments will ensure your eye is healing properly and that your vision is progressing as expected. Adjustments or additional treatments may be discussed if needed.
- Final Vision Outcome: While many patients achieve clearer vision shortly after surgery, optimal results, including reduced dependence on glasses, typically occur within four to six weeks as your eyes fully recover.
Our Specialty Surgical Center
Specialty Surgical Center is our state-of-the-art facility dedicated exclusively to ophthalmic surgery. As a single-specialty center, we focus entirely on eye care, providing you with the latest technological innovations in a comfortable, outpatient setting.
The center boasts seven fully equipped surgical suites, each featuring cutting-edge technology to ensure the highest standard of eye surgery. Among our world-class equipment are three femtosecond lasers—Ally, Catalys, and Lensx—making us one of the few centers globally with this advanced capability to assist in cataract surgery. We also use Phacoemulsification machines, intraocular aberrometry, Zeiss microscopes, and other specialized tools to provide the most precise and effective procedures.
But beyond our technology, what truly distinguishes our center is our highly skilled and compassionate team. Our surgical technicians, nurses, and staff are all deeply committed to providing you with exceptional care and a seamless surgical experience. We prioritize your comfort and well-being, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Specialty Surgical Center, where advanced technology and expert care come together to offer you the best possible outcome for your eye surgery.
How Much Does Laser Cataract Surgery Cost?
The cost of laser cataract surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the type of intraocular lens (IOL) you choose, the technology used during the procedure, and whether any additional vision correction, such as astigmatism treatment, is needed. During your consultation at Semel Vision Care & Aesthetics, we will review all the available options and provide a detailed breakdown of costs based on your unique needs and preferences.
Take the Next Step Toward Clearer Vision
If cataracts are affecting your quality of life, there’s no need to wait any longer to restore your sight. At Semel Vision Care & Aesthetics, we combine advanced laser technology with personalized care to deliver exceptional outcomes. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how laser cataract surgery can improve your vision and enhance your quality of life.
Laser Cataract Surgery FAQs
What are cataracts?
A cataract is an age-related condition associated with a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. This cloudiness develops as a result of a buildup of protein in the lens. Cataracts affect millions of people, including more than half of all Americans over the age of 75.
Cataracts cause a progressive, painless loss of vision. The lens clouds naturally as we age, causing a gradual reduction of vision. However, cataracts are not considered part of the natural aging process and are a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. The exact cause of cataracts is unknown, although it may be a result of injury, certain medications, illnesses (such as diabetes), prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light, and smoking.
How are cataracts diagnosed?
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
Patients with cataracts often do not experience any symptoms when the condition first develops. Cataracts will continue to progress with no apparent pain, although patients may experience:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Double vision
- Poor vision in bright light
- Seeing halos around lights
- Poor vision at night
- Yellowish tinged vision
- Frequent changes in eyeglasses or contact lens prescription
What are the possible complications following cataract surgery?
It’s important to understand that the risks associated with cataract surgery can vary depending on the unique characteristics of your eyes. During your consultation, we will thoroughly review your individual circumstances and discuss any potential risks specific to you. While the overall complication rate for cataract surgery is approximately 2%, your personal risk level may differ. This makes it essential to carefully consider the details provided during your consultation to ensure you are fully informed.
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